Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the independent panel report on reforming the Civil Service. [35639/14]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

196. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the meetings he had held with his officials in relation to the independent panel report on reform of the Civil Service. [35640/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

The Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance was established following the publication of the consultation paper on the Programme for Government commitments: 'Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance' by my Department. Its work included overseeing an extensive public consultation process on these issues, reviewing submissions received, meeting with a large number of stakeholders, as well as undertaking their own analysis and assessment. Officials from my Department provided the Secretariat to the Independent Panel. During its work, I and my officials met with the Panel members on a number of occasions, and in addition there was ongoing interaction between the Independent Panel and the Civil Service Task Force on Renewal and Vision.

The Independent Panel furnished their report to me by end May, and I subsequently published it on 11 June 2014.   

The Independent Panel's report and its recommendations have been considered by me and my Department in the context of the development of a Civil Service Renewal Plan. The Civil Service Renewal Plan is currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to bring it to Government at the end of this month.